Become a Hawaii notary public with Notary Rotary, Inc.

Qualifications: 

 The following qualifications must be met to become a Hawaii notary public:

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
• Must be a resident of the State of Hawaii
• Must pass the required state exam
• Possess the qualities of public officers
• Must be a U.S. citizen or a national, or permanent alien resident of the U.S. who diligently seeks U.S. citizenship

Appointment and Tenure:

The term of office of a notary public is four years from the date of his commission, unless he is sooner removed by the Attorney General for cause after due hearing. The Attorney General where any change occurs in a notary's office, occupation, residence or employment, which, in the judgment of the Attorney General, renders the holding of the commission by the notary to no longer be necessary for the public good and convenience may revoke the commission of a notary. Each notary is required, upon any change in his office, occupation, residence, employment or name, to forthwith report such change in writing to the Attorney General. For more information, visit the State of Hawaii's Notary Public web site.

Step 1: Download and complete the application form

The application to become a notary public for the State of Hawaii may be found here: Hawaii Notary Public Application

Also, the application, and other notaries public documents and tools are now available online at notary.ehawaii.gov.  At this location you may:

• Submit an application
• Renew a notary commission
• Schedule an exam
• Submit a resignation
• Make a payment

Step 2: Mail, drop off or submit your notarized application and fees online to the Department of the Attorney General, Notary Public Office

Once you have completed the application form, in it's entirety as indicated in the instructions, you may pay the $10 fee and submit the form online at notary.ehawaii.gov.  Or, mail or drop off your fee and application to the Department of the Attorney General at the following address:

 Department of the Attorney General
 Notary Public Office
 425 Queen Street
 Honolulu, HI  96813

Remember, the affidavit at the end of the application will need to be completed and sworn to in front of a notary. The Find a Notary feature from Notary Rotary, Inc., may be helpful in locating a notary in your area to help process your application.  Also, the application will not be considered complete unless accompianied by a letter of justification and a letter or recommendation.

Step 3: After approval of your application, study for and take the official state notary public examination and await your passing notice

After approval of an applicant by the Attorney General, the applicant is required to take a written closed-book examination covering such statutory laws and rules that apply to notaries public, as well as practical aspects of a notary's practice, and a notary's duties and responsibilities. The passing score is 72 points or 80 percent.

You may download and study the Hawaii notary public handbook, if you do not already have one, by clicking on the following link:  Hawaii Notary Public Handbook  You may also want to review the new rules for notaries.

The state exam is given on different days and at different times depending on which island you reside, but you will receive specific instructions when and where your exam will be given when you receive notice your application has been accepted. You may also schedule your exam online at notary.ehawaii.gov.

Once you take your exam it will take up to 30 days to receive results. You will receive a written notice in the mail informing you of your test result and instructions on what to do next.

Step 4: Mail or deliver payment for the issuance of your commission to the Department of the Attorney General

When you receive notice from the state that you have passed your exam you will need to make a $40 payment to the Attorney General for the issuance of your commission. Checks should be made out to "State Director of Finance" or payment may be made online at notary.ehawaii.gov.

You may mail payment to:

Notary Public Office

Department of the Attorney General

425 Queen Street,

Honolulu, HI 96813

Step 5: Purchase your notary seal and $1,000 surety bond from Notary Rotary, Inc.

There are three items required to act as a notary public for the State of Hawaii: a $1,000 surety bond; a Hawaii notary stamp or seal; and an official notarial record book.

The bond and stamp or seal are available in the Notary Rotary online store, as well as many other useful items, and all meet or exceed Hawaii requirements.  Enter the store to select your items and any other products you may need. To order simply fill out the required information, scroll down and select your products, and follow the instructions through checkout. Your order will be processed as soon as possible, usually shipping within 2-3 days.

Step 6:  File a copy of your commission, seal impression, official signature and surety bond with the court

After you receive your bond and seal or stamp, the bond needs to be approved by a judge of the circuit court in which you reside.  After approval, the bond, a photocopy of your commission, an impression of your notary seal, and a specimen of your official signature shall be deposited and kept on file in the office of the clerk of the circuit court of the circuit in which you reside.

As soon as you receive your supplies you will be ready to begin your duties as a commissioned notary public for the State of Hawaii.